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New Carlsbad Main Street director outlines Neon Alley, Cavern Fest plans
Summary
Denise Green, the newly introduced executive director of Carlsbad Main Street, updated the City Council on projects including a Neon Alley grant-funded restoration and interactive signage, reinstating the Pearl the Pecos committee, Cavern Fest relocation to the beach for 2026, and Cavern Theatre programming and rentals.
Denise Green, introduced by Councilor Mary Garwood as Carlsbad Main Street’s new executive director, told the City Council she is moving several downtown projects forward, including a grant-funded Neon Alley installation between Murmod and Fox Street that would restore neon signage and add QR-code-driven historical content.
Green said Carlsbad Main Street received funding from New Mexico Creative Industries for the Neon Alley work and that the organization plans the installation to be interactive so visitors can scan codes to learn short histories tied to signs and businesses. She also said the board reinstated the Pearl the Pecos committee and will host an appreciation event to discuss forthcoming projects including the Neon Alley and the Farmers & Makers Market.
On Cavern Fest, Green said the event will relocate this year from the courthouse lawn to the beach area while construction blocks the courthouse lawn; she said additional details will be announced as plans progress. She added the Cavern Theatre is already scheduling rentals for 2026 and has one booking for 2027, and she provided venue activity metrics: more than 5,000 attendees for theater screenings and 7,276 concession items sold (not including private rentals).
Green said the New Mexico Creative Industries will bring a series of creative conventions to Carlsbad, with the Cavern Theatre as the first stop, and that programming and planning for 2026 are underway. She closed by saying she would remain for questions.
